HIGHLY-touted Western Australian draft prospect Nick Naitanui says he is not expecting to play an AFL match in 2009.
The outstanding 197cm tall athlete, who was born in NSW and is of Fijian origin, indicated he is looking to hone his craft via state-league competitions next season, rather than stepping straight into the AFL.
"I'm not really expecting to play a game, just have some fun," Naitanui said at the NAB AFL Draft Camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra on Wednesday.
"It wouldn't fuss me. I think playing a game in your first year is a bonus. To get one you're lucky."
Naitanui, who is one of the most talked about talents in this year's draft pool, said he wants to further his ruck work, skills and physical game next year. But he added playing in positions, other than the ruck, during the second half of 2008 was beneficial.
"It's been a good experience, learning a lot. I've played at full-back and on the wing and up forward, so just to have those strings to your bow are going to be good," he said.
Naitanui, who has been touted as a No.1 draft pick, was asked if he needed to sell himself as the best in the business.
"I don't think I should be the No.1 draft pick. Everyone's here to prove themselves and they're all here to do their job and everyone wants to do their best … everyone is just trying to prove to every club they're worthy of being drafted," he said.
"I've just been out there and done my thing every week and the media created that hype, so I just want to do my best for the club and carry on the way I have been."
Although Naitanui hinted he would rather remain in Perth, he said he had no problems about leaving the west, if drafted elsewhere.
"It's not really a factor. I don't really mind if I have to leave home, but then again, it'll be good to stay at home as well," Naitanui said.
The Collingwood supporter is also delighted Fijian-born Port Adelaide cousins David Rodan and Alipate Carlile are heading to the pacific nation to spread the AFL word.
"David Rodan and Carlile from Port Adelaide are heading over there at the end of the year and they're trying to pump up football in Fiji. Rugby is pretty big over there and it's good for the country and it sounds good," he said.
"I'm abnormal in my family. Everyone is short and stocky and I came out a bit wrong – a bit tall and skinny. I didn't really fit the rugby mould, so footy was the way to go."